A tsunami of new features is slated to crash onto Zoom, which will expand certain services and make some existing ones easier to use in order to, ideally, foster better communication.
Two weeks prior to this announcement, Zoom implemented a new suite of features for the Team Chat tool while hinting at more. We thought the second round would've been revealed at the Zoomtopia event on November 8, but it looks like the company decided to do it now. Given the sheer number of features in this update, it’ll be close to impossible to give every single one their time in the limelight so we’re only going to focus on the biggest changes. At the time of this writing, it’s unknown when anything in this wave will make its way to users.
Zoom One's new tools
The bulk of the features will be going to Zoom One, a service platform that brings together “a variety of [company] tools” into one package. Starting with Zoom Meetings, there will be a new designation for Sign Language Interpretation. A host can select multiple participants in a meeting to speak through a sign language interpreter for those who need it. In turn, people can select which of the interpreters they want to watch.
Apple CarPlay will now be supported on Zoom, allowing people to hop into meetings while driving via the CallKit controls or look at their schedule for the day. Although, we strongly recommend not checking your itinerary mid-drive; please wait until you're parked.
Regarding phone calls, Zoom Phone will have new ways to manage audio files via an expanded Asset Library. This is a centralized hub where hosts can upload and share audio files “including greetings, music on hold, [and] prompts,” according to Zoom. Administrators of groups can set up an emergency call system by mapping out numbers to external teams or third-party systems. Plus, they can activate the new Survivability tool in order to provide basic phone functionality during an outage.
And the final major update to Zoom One is Zoom Whiteboard Plus. The base version of the tool allows participants to draw on a digital whiteboard to share ideas with each other. Whiteboard Plus adds three new features: Tables to help organize a team’s thoughts, Mind Map for creating flow charts to further organization, and @mentions to tag people outside of the meeting.
Quality-of-life changes
The more minor changes are focused on quality-of-life changes. Zoom Rooms, in particular, will have a different user interface. It'll sport “larger fonts, sharper colors, and a better layout” to make certain aspects, like the meeting schedule, easier to see. Displays in a Rooms meeting will be redesigned to have a better layout so that notifications and the in-meeting chat window aren’t blocking the view.
Originally exclusive to the desktop app, Workspace Reservation will be making its way to iOS and Android devices. With this tool, you’ll be able to book on-site work resources and spaces. It appears all of the original desktop tools will be present on mobile including personalized suggestions for locations from an AI and user questionnaires.
Looking at everything, it’s hard to imagine what will be revealed at the Zoomtopia event. This avalanche of features already feels like a major event, so it'll be interesting to see what Zoom is hiding up its proverbial sleeve.
Intel’s supercharged version of its Raptor Lake flagship – a refreshed CPU due to land early in 2023 – is the subject of a new leaked benchmark, and it shows a seriously fast processor.
As Tom’s Hardware spotted, the Core i9-13900KS – note the additional ‘S’ which differentiates this from the 13900K, as a limited edition variant – will boost to 6GHz out of the box, and now we’ve glimpsed its purported performance in an actual benchmark flagged by HXL on Twitter.
Before we go any further, the CPU-Z benchmark in question originates from Chinese forum Bilibili and there is certainly the possibility that the provided screenshot is faked. So we’d advise proceeding with more caution than usual with this particular rumor.
The results shown for the pre-release sample of the Core i9-13900KS are a single-threaded score of 982 and 18,453 for multi-threaded. Presumably these results were attained using the ‘turbo mode’ for the Raptor Lake flagship refresh (which draws 350W of power, a rather frightening amount).
As Tom’s highlights, that compares to 893 and 16,877 respectively (in an earlier leak) for the vanilla 13900K, and if we look at AMD’s new flagship, the Ryzen 9 7950X, that hits 787 and 15,663.
Analysis: A promising result indeed, but hold your horses a sec
With a quick bit of napkin maths, that puts the 13900KS at something like 10% faster for single-thread and 18% quicker for multi-thread than the 13900K. That feels too much of a jump to us, and indeed there are some caveats here.
Firstly, this is a sparse leak, and all we can see is the bare results, knowing nothing about the PC that the processor is in, or what’s cooling it. Also, remember this is just a single benchmark, and we should never read too much into one metric – CPU-Z is also far from our first choice when it comes to comparing performance levels. Plus we’ve seen faster leaked results for the 13900K elsewhere, so the gap likely won’t be as big as indicated here.
All that said, this fresh leak – if real – certainly points to a storming performance when put up against the Ryzen 9 7950X (showing the 13900KS as 25% and 18% faster for single and multi-thread). And the two processors probably won’t be that far apart in price, with the 13900KS maybe being 5% to 10% more expensive in all likelihood. (Although it is possible Intel could push harder with pricing if the firm feels it can get away with it in the case of a limited-edition CPU).
So at the high-end, Intel could have a winner here potentially – albeit with a different price to pay in terms of that very high power usage when running at full tilt – but as we said, we’ll need a lot more than a leaked CPU-Z result to get the full picture. And of course when it comes to gaming, what many folks are waiting for is AMD’s 3D V-cache toting Ryzen 7000 processors, with that innovative tech having the potential to make a big difference.
Indeed, this is the reason Intel has the 13900KS shaping up to launch pretty early in 2023, by all accounts, as that’s when 3D V-cache is rumored to turn up (a CES reveal in January is thought to be the plan for Team Red). And crucially, speculation points to there being a 7950X3D (in other words, a new flagship with 3D V-cache), which really would make a splash at the top-end.
We’d also do well to remember that the mid-range is where the real battle of the next-gen CPUs will take place, and that the likes of the 7950X and 13900K and KS are relatively niche propositions. In the middle of the pack, AMD’s 7700X is already out there on shelves and looking seriously tempting. As we noted in our review, this is an outstanding CPU – with caveats on the upgrade cost front, mind.
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She-Hulk episode 7 side characters explained: who are Man-Bull, El Aguila, Saracen, and Porcupine?
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law episode 7 – The Retreat – has smashed its way onto Disney Plus. And, while viewers are still waiting for Daredevil's arrival in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – it's coming, we promise – we were introduced to some new and unusual characters in the Marvel TV show's latest entry.
The MCU Phase 4 project has done a delightful job of introducing minor Marvel characters to a wider audience and She-Hulk episode 7 is no exception. In it, four new individuals are shown to exist in the MCU – Man-Bull, El Aguila, Porcupine, and Saracen.
Who are these characters, though? What do their Marvel comics histories tell us about them? And could we see them crop up in the MCU again?
Below, we'll explain who this new quartet is and whether they'll reappear in the MCU in the Disney Plus show again, in Marvel Phase 5 productions, or even beyond that.
She-Hulk's Man-Bull explained: who is the minotaur-like Marvel character?
Man-Bull is traditionally a villain in Marvel comics.(Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
A supervillain by trade, Man-Bull is a minotaur-like Marvel character who made his comic debut in July 1971. Interestingly, Man-Bull's first comic book appearance was in Daredevil #78 – another tie into the Man Without Fear's forthcoming appearance in She-Hulk's TV series. He's also crossed paths with Hulk, She-Hulk, and other superheroes in the comics. Additionally, he's run into the anti-hero/supervillain team known as the Thunderbolts, so maybe he'll reappear in the MCU's Thunderbolts movie. It's highly unlikely, but never say never.
Real name William 'Bill' Taurens, Man-Bull acquired his abilities – and his signature horns – after he was used as a guinea pig for an experimental serum derived from bulls. Subsequently, Man-Bull was imbued with traditional superpowers, such as superhuman strength, stamina, durability, and speed. Oh, and he has the ability to empathize with cows. Go figure.
In She-Hulk, he's less animalistic – in his appearance anyway – and comes across as more of a sympathetic villain/anti-hero who is trying to turn his life around. He's played by Nathan Hurd (Legion, Elementary) in the MCU TV show.
She-Hulk's El Aguila explained: who is the Matador-style mutant?
El Aguila is Spanish for 'The Eagle'.(Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
El Aguila takes that number to four. In the comics, El Aguila is a human mutant who possesses the ability to generate electricity, as well as being an expert close-quarters combatant and skilled fencer.
Debuting in August 1979, El Aguila was introduced as a morally gray vigilante who aided Iron Fist and Luke Cage – the latter called Power Man at the time – in taking down drug lords and other criminals. However, he's also occasionally operated as an anti-hero, with El Aguila locking horns with Hawkeye during one comic storyline.
Given his matador-like appearance, which was chiefly inspired by Zorro, it's surprising to see El Aguila and Man-Bull form a close bond in She-Hulk episode 7. Still, the pair's unlikely friendship makes for a fun side narrative. El Aguila, whose real name is Alejandro Montoya, is portrayed by Joseph Castillo-Midyett (The Equalizer, Fear The Walking Dead). Don't expect him to appear outside of She-Hulk's show, unless Iron Fist and Luke Cage make their way into the MCU.
She-Hulk's Saracan explained: who is the MCU's first vampire?
It seems the MCU's version of Saracen is a mash-up of two comic characters.(Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
Blade might be the most recognizable vampire in Marvel's superhero/anti-hero roster, but that doesn't mean other bloodsuckers don't exist in the comics or the MCU.
While Marvel Studios' Blade movie is seemingly trapped in development hell, Saracen's appearance in She-Hulk episode 7 means that there's at least one vampire in the MCU. Well, that's if you believe Saracen anyway. The other attendees at Emil Blonsky's meditation retreat don't believe he really is a vampire, but there is evidence in the comics to suggest that he's telling the truth.
The group's confusion likely stems from the fact that there are two Saracen characters in Marvel comics. One of those, who goes by the name Muzzafar Lambert, is a globe-trotting mercenary who has regularly duked it out with The Punisher. The other Saracen, whose name is unknown, made his comic debut in Blade: Vampire Hunter #1 in October 1999. Little is known about this vampiric Saracen, though, outside of the fact that he's one of the most long-lived monsters in Marvel comics history.
It seems that She-Hulk's writers have used the latter for Saracen's first MCU appearance. The Retreat's credits list Terrence Clowe (The Harder They Fall, Dopesick) as playing Saracen, but don't mention Lambert. Unless Marvel has combined the two characters to avoid confusion, it's likely that the vampiric Saracen is the one who turns up in She-Hulk episode 7. Could he make a cameo appearance in Blade? Here's hoping.
She-Hulk's Porcupine explained: who is the masked Marvel character?
Marvel fans had previously seen Porcupine in a She-Hulk TV spot.(Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)
Real name Alexander Gentry, Porcupine is a Marvel supervillain who usually clashes with Ant-Man and the Wasp in the comics. He made his literary debut in Tales to Atonish #48 in October 1963, making him one of the oldest Marvel villains ever. Like Man-Bull, he's crossed paths wit the Thunderbolts, so could he show up in that superhero film, too? Again, don't count on it.
A scientist who designed weapons for the US military, Gentry creates a porcupine-style super suit, which has the ability to shoot quills, gases, flames, or chemicals at those who the wearer deems to be a threat. Gentry, though, believes that the US government won't pay him for this creation – a move that sees him keep the suit for himself and uses it to start robbing banks and other establishments.
Two other Marvel characters have also assumed the identity of Porcupine. The first was Billy Bates, another mutant character who first appeared in August 2005's District X #13. Unlike Gentry, Bates is the owner of the X-gene, the DNA strand that grants its host superpowers when they come of age. Unfortunately for Bates, he acquired the abilities of an actual porcupine. He's able to grow and fire porcupine-like quills at his foes, as well as distorting his left arm into a long, deformed limb with serrated claws at his fingertips.
The final person to assume the mantle was Roger Docking, who made his comic debut in May 2006's Daughters of the Dragon #3. He also wore the suit, although his creation had different abilities to Gentry's, such as jet boots for flight purposes and night vision goggles.
Based on his more realistic MCU appearance, it isn't the Bates version of Porcupine who appears in She-Hulk episode 7. Instead, it's either Gentry or Docking. However, The Retreat's credits don't specify which individual this is – we only know Porcupine is played by Jordan Aaron Ford.
Sony has announced the next batch of free games coming to PS Plus, and there’s a fantastic FPS among them.
Leading the pack of October’s free PS Plus games is Superhot, an action movie wrapped in a puzzle shooter. The indie game’s central gimmick is that time only moves when you do, letting you dodge bullets and grab weapons mid-air as you fight through a series of challenge rooms. Combat is frenetic, and its time-bending gunplay makes it a refreshing remix of a well-trodden genre.
Originally released on PC in 2016, before coming to PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, Superhot turned heads with its sleek shooing and abstract visuals. We reckon its fine mix of tactical maneuvering and chaotic bullet hells makes it one of the best FPS games around. Its VR spinoff – Superhot VR – is also one of the best VR games to play, brilliantly demonstrating the potential of the medium.
Hot stuff
(Image credit: Superhot Team)
In a blog post, Sony announced that Superhot will be joined by 2017 superhero fighting game Injustice 2. From the creators of Mortal Kombat, Injustice pits a bunch of twisted DC superheroes against one another in ludicrous beat-‘em-up matches. You can play through its single-player campaign to stop the evil Superman, or hop straight into an online fight to smash (or be smashed).
Hot Wheels Unleashed will also be up for grabs. The arcade racing game lets you collect, build and drive the titular toys, as well as create your own tracks in a fairly powerful track builder. It also features two-player split-screen and fairly chaotic 12-player online multiplayer modes. The game might be based on a line of toys, but it’s a surprisingly comprehensive arcade racer.
All three games are available for PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium members from Tuesday, October 4 until Monday, October 31. Subscribers will have until Monday, October 3 to download last month’s batch of free games: Need for Speed Heat, Granblue Fantasy: Versus, and Toem.
A big-screen E Ink device equally at home with documents and books released by Amazon in the depths of an economic downturn, and it's not the Kindle Scribe that Amazon unveiled on Wednesday during a massive smart product rollout.
This was the Amazon Kindle DX, a 9.7-inch E Ink reader released in 2009. It wasn't as svelte, light or bright as the 300ppi backlit Kindle Scribe. There wasn't even a touch screen, rather it had a physical keyboard and nav buttons. The Kindle DX was thought to be the future of Amazon's E Ink book business, especially for textbooks.
The device's big screen and ability to hold thousands of books would mean the end of students struggling under the weight of overstuffed backpacks filled with gargantuan and expensive textbooks. The Kindle DX cost almost $500, but most expected typical college and school textbooks to be half as expensive through Amazon's online bookstores.
After a single update in 2010, the Kindle DX died a fast and unremarkable death. I've never been sure why but came to believe that the majority of Kindle e-reader users read novels on them while on vacation and have no interest or need for a tablet-sized device that offers only a black and white screen and can't even play video.
The release of Apple's iPad in 2010 essentially sealed the DX's fate
By that measure, the new Kindle Scribe could be the same kind of misfire. However, despite the economic similarities, 2022 is not 2009 and the Kindle Scribe is far more technically accomplished than the DX.
The biggest innovation, at least for Amazon, is the Kindle Scribe's stylus, included in the $339 price. First, it's comforting to see that Amazon didn't follow the DX pricing model: go expensive or go home. Second, bundling the stylus, which is probably more intelligent than a simple piece of plastic, is a bit of genius. It's what makes the Kindle Scribe cool, desirable, and, aside from obvious design differences, quite different than Amazon's last big-screen E Ink tablet attempt.
Even here, though, Amazon is treading in familiar territory, though not necessarily its own.
In 2017, I tested the first ReMarkable tablet, a 10.1-inch, 350-gram E Ink and stylus-supporting tablet. It boasted 226ppi with a look and feel that was as close to a piece of paper as you could get without being made from pulp. ReMarkable worked closely with E Ink to create a version of electronic paper that offered 100 millisecond response time, making it feel as if the E Ink that appeared on the page was flowing out of the ReMarkable stylus. That stylus, by the way, needed no batteries, drawing energy from the screen via inductive charge. The follow-up ReMarkable 2 tablet is even lighter and thinner (4.7mm).
The similarities between the Kindle Scribe and ReMarkable 2 are not, well, remarkable, as they are a reflection of how far E Ink display, processing, materials, and stylus technology have progressed in 13 years since Amazon unveiled the Kindle DX. That ReMarkable got there first is a credit to them, but also now a concern.
Amazon's had 15 years to perfect its e-reader business, with a range of products that start as low as $99 (often on sale for $69) and cost as must as the $249 Kindle Oasis. The 10.2-inch Kindle Scribe is more affordable than the original DX , though not as cheap as the $279 ReMarkable 2. It extends the Kindle's utility into a space once owned by ReMarkable.
Amazon now has the wherewithal to let this pricier and mainly niche e-reader percolate and grow in market share, while the scrappy startup ReMarkable will need some splashy innovation. It needs to remind consumers it was here first (as if that matters) to survive.
What's odd is that my excitement over the Kindle Scribe is almost entirely based on my ReMarkable 1 experiences. It's fun to draw with a stylus on E Ink. It can look and feel just like paper. ReMarkable was always smart enough to leverage the processing power behind the paper-like screen for more utility.
The arc of technology often goes up but also bends back in time to long-forgotten failures to make something fresh and new. It's fun to look at and try the new thing, but always worth remembering how we and everyone else got here.
Thankfully the iPhone 14 Pro doesn’t appear to reboot unprompted during regular use so the issue isn’t the end of the world, but it will nonetheless be concerning to see your new smartphone restart every 10 minutes or so as some users report to be experiencing. But best of all some people seem to have found a solution: disable background app refresh.
It’s unclear why this setting change fixes the iPhone 14 Pro’s charging but nevertheless, users have found that heading to Settings, opening up the General tab, scrolling to and tapping Background App Refresh, and then toggling it off using the option at the top of the page makes the problem go away.
However, if you ask us, you might be better off returning your iPhone 14 Pro and getting a new non-defective one if you can. Turning off background app refresh will mean that your suspended apps won’t update which will make using your iPhone less convenient, plus there’s no telling if this charging issue isn’t just the first sign of a larger hardware problem. Better to play it safe now and get a working iPhone than have to shell out for a big repair when it’s out of warranty.
Stay disconnected
The other iPhone 14 Pro issue currently seems restricted to Verizon customers, with several people reporting that the 5G signal is very weak on their new smartphone – and sometimes calls will drop out mid-conversation.
While some people had theorized that the issues are with Verizon’s network as a whole – suggesting that its coverage of a person’s local area may be worse than the provider they were previously with – users have disputed this (via MacRumors Forums). Some point out that their relatives on an identical plan but on a device like an iPhone 13 have no issue in the same location, while others have said that they’ve been with Verizon across multiple contracts but are only now experiencing problems. And worst of all there doesn’t appear to be a quick solution right now, with factory resetting and updating to the latest iOS 16 beta not solving the issue.
It’s unclear why the iPhone 14 Pro is having connectivity issues but it's especially disappointing given that its satellite phone features were meant to make it easier to contact people from anywhere.
We’ve reached out to Verizon for advice on what customers can do, and when we hear back we’ll be sure to update this page.
Security threats could be terminal for small and medium-sized businesses, cybersecurity researchers Kaspersky are saying, urging businesses to stay alert and on top of their cyber-hygiene.
A report based on a global survey of 1,307 decision-makers in SMBs found cybersecurity incidents are the second-biggest disruptor of operations, second only to a “dramatic” fall in sales.
What’s more, for 13% of respondents, online attacks are the biggest challenge they’re facing.
Robust password policy
Kaspersky also set out to find out how important cybersecurity is, in relation to the organization’s size, and it turns out, the bigger the firm, the bigger the woes. While just 8% of businesses with up to eight employees said they faced an IT security problem, the percentage rose to 30% for companies with at least 501 employees.
“In most cases, adversaries use obvious gaps in an organization’s cybersecurity to gain access to its infrastructure to steal money or data,” commented Konstantin Sapronov, Head of Global Emergency Response Team at Kaspersky.
"This fact suggests that basic protective measures, accessible even to small companies, such as a robust password policy, regular updates and employees’ security awareness, if not overlooked, may significantly contribute to the company’s cyber resistance”.
That being said, Kaspersky recommends businesses implement a strong password policy that requires a standard user account’s password to have at least eight letters, one number, one uppercase letter, and at least one special character.
Furthermore, passwords should be changed if there’s reason to believe they might have been compromised. All of this, the company says, is best done with a comprehensive built-in password manager installed on the endpoints.
Frequent software updates, ransomware protection services, and regular employee training programs are also paramount, Kaspersky claims. In fact, encouraging workers to learn more about how to protect both private and professional lives is a great way to prevent potential disasters.
We’ve heard quite a few rumors about the Samsung Galaxy S23 line, but it’s only now that we’re starting to see how these phones might actually look – and if a new leak is accurate, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus could look a lot like their predecessors, but with a camera design inspired by the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.
That’s the impression given by unofficial renders that @OnLeaks – a leaker with a great track record – shared with SmartPrix and Digit.
Both phones look very much like the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus, complete with a punch-hole camera in the top-center of the display, a flat screen, a metal frame, and a triple-lens camera on the back.
Image 1 of 2
An unofficial render of the Samsung Galaxy S23(Image credit: @OnLeaks / Digit.in)
Image 2 of 2
An unofficial render of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus(Image credit: @OnLeaks / SmartPrix)
However, the actual design of the camera is different here. While there are once again three lenses running down the top-left section of the rear, they’re not housed in a camera block in these renders, so they look a lot more like the cameras on the S22 Ultra than on the rest of the S22 line.
The leak also includes details of other specs, with the Samsung Galaxy S23 apparently having a 6.1-inch screen, just like the Galaxy S22, and dimensions of 146.3 x 70.8 x 7.6mm; the S22 is 146 x 70.6 x 7.6mm, so the two phones will basically be identical in size if this leak is accurate.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is also said to have a 6.6-inch screen, just like the S22 Plus, and to have dimensions of 157.7 x 76.1 x 7.6mm, compared to very similar dimensions of 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6mm for the S22 Plus.
Analysis: a likely, logical change
While we’d take these renders and the associated specs with the usual pinch of salt, the changes to the cameras shown here would make sense.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the odd one out in the Galaxy S22 line, as it looks completely different to the other models. So it would make sense to bring some consistency to the Galaxy S23 line, by at least making the cameras look similar.
The Ultra model will probably still look quite different to its siblings, with a curved screen and a slot for an S Pen stylus being likely inclusions, but it might at least look like it’s part of the same family this time.
That said, we haven’t seen any S23 Ultra renders yet, so we can’t be at all sure. But now that renders for the other models have emerged it’s probably only a matter of time before we get a look at what could be the best Samsung phone of 2023.
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Marvel Studios' Blade movie is in serious trouble, with multiple reports suggesting development has stalled two months before filming b...
Marvel's Blade movie sounds like it's in serious trouble
Marvel Studios' Blade movie is in serious trouble, with multiple reports suggesting development has stalled two months before filming begins.
The Marvel Phase 5 project, which is currently slated to release in theaters in November 2023, was set to enter full production shortly. However, Blade is in danger of missing its launch date altogether after director Bassam Tariq left the superhero flick just two months before shooting was due to start, according to The Hollywood Reporter (THR).
In a statement provided to THR, Marvel said "continued shifts in our production schedule" was a major reason behind Tariq's departure. The Mogul Mowgli director is, however, still expected to be credited as an executive producer for the work he's conducted on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie so far.
Speaking to THR, Tariq and Marvel thanked each other for putting in the hard yards. It seems, then, that the studio and director have parted on good terms. MCU insider BigScreenLeaks has speculated that Marvel has some big names lined up to succeed Tariq, but failed to disclose who they might be.
I’m told that the current BLADE script is roughly 90 pages and features exactly TWO (lackluster) action sequences. Mahershala said to be very frustrated with the process. Feige said to be spread too thin. But hey, that’s just what sources are telling me. Don’t shoot the messengerSeptember 28, 2022
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Tariq's departure is less than ideal, but it isn't the only dilemma that's given Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige a major headache.
According to industry insider Jeff Sneider, Blade's script is not in a good place. The Ankler reporter has claimed that the movie's screenplay is just 90 pages long and contains two lackluster action sequences.
Per Murphy's Multiverse, Beau DeMayo, whose previous credits include Netflix's TV adaptation of The Witcher, has been drafted in to rewrite the script. DeMayo has also penned scripts for Moon Knight on Disney Plus, as well as Marvel's forthcoming X-Men 97 animated series, so the film should be in good hands if he's involved. It's unclear if former scribe Stacey Osei-Kuffour is still on board with DeMayo being drafted in to spruce up the script.
Additionally, BigScreenLeaks and The Cosmic Circus' Lizzie Hill have claimed that Blade won't enter full production until January 2023 – just 10 months before it's supposed to be released. Meanwhile, a casting call put out by Angela Boehm Casting (thanks to Reddit for the find) states that filming won't begin until spring 2023, which could be any time between March and June. Not ideal preparation for a tentpole movie.
Given all of the above, it's unsurprising to learn that lead star Mahershala Ali is believed to be extremely frustrated over the new delays. The latest round of production hiccups come three months after we reported that Blade's production date had been pushed from July 2022 to October 2022. Sounds like the Marvel film is lacking some bite in many areas.
We've reached out to Disney and Marvel for comment on Osei-Kuffour's involvement moving forward, as well as the movie's expected filming start date. We'll update this article if we hear back.
Analysis: receiving the good news alongside the bad
Deadpool 3's release date has been bumped up.(Image credit: Fox)
Given the speculation surrounding Blade's production issues, it wasn't overly surprising to see some good news drop on the same day in the form of a Deadpool 3 update.
We already knew the Merc with a Mouth's MCU debut was on the way, with Kevin Feige confirming Deadpool would join Marvel's cinematic juggernaut back in January 2021. We've received a few important updates since, with lead actor Ryan Reynolds seen preparing for the physically-demanding role, and writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick updating fans on how the script is progressing.
The biggest update, though, came via Reynolds yesterday (Tuesday, September 27), with the Canadian actor revealing Hugh Jackman will reprise his role as Wolverine in Deadpool 3. Oh, and that the R-rated movie would arrive in theaters in September 2024.
Okay, that launch date is two years away, but it wouldn't be surprising if production on Deadpool 3 starts earlier than expected – or might even get its theatrical release moved up again.
As Marvel's statement to THR revealed, the studio's production schedule is forever shifting. If Blade's release date is pushed back in order to give it more time to be completed, the rest of Marvel's Phase 5 slate (and its first Phase 6 film, if that's where Deadpool 3 fits into proceedings) could be altered. That could mean Captain America: New World Order, Thunderbolts, and Deadpool 3 arriving in cinemas earlier than we thought.
Marvel has previous form for this kind of thing, with the studio swapping Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's and The Marvels' 2023 release dates. Ant-Man 3 was further along the production pipeline than its Phase 5 sibling, hence the duo trading launch dates. So, if Blade isn't shooting until next spring, the likes of Cap 4 and Deadpool 3 might start filming earlier. If that ends up being the case, expect Marvel to announce any release date changes in the near future.
Intel’s Raptor Lake flagship will get a new faster version – as happened with Alder Lake – and it’ll arrive in the near-ish future, with a debut planned for early in 2023.
Intel revealed the launch timeframe for what will likely be the Core i9-13900KS – although the name isn’t confirmed, and wasn’t mentioned – which just like the 12900KS will be a special edition with a limited volume made, and the processor will naturally be pricey as a result.
The key point here is that it does this right out of the box, by default, so those who want to tinker and push with overclocking are going to be able to ramp up things even more than that. And the kind of folks interested in the 13900KS are going to be those sorts of enthusiasts, of course.
Analysis: What kind of boost – and what kind of price?
Intel doesn’t say when that 6GHz boost comes into play, but presumably it’ll be the max speed, pedal to the metal, achieved with TVB (Thermal Velocity Boost), meaning that this clock frequency will only be feasible for brief periods of time.
Could it refer to the all-core boost for the limited-edition Raptor Lake flagship? No, surely not, because in that case, the CPU would go even faster than this on a single-core (with TVB), and that speed would be the headline frequency Intel would be boasting about.
The other question is how much the 13900KS will cost, and there’s no clue as to that yet. However, Intel has priced the 13900K at the same recommended price as the 12900K, so it’d follow that the company would maintain pricing at the level of the 12900KS – which is to say a fair old bump at $739 versus $589 (in the US) for the vanilla flagship. That said, with rumors Intel is going to push up pricing where it can with some chips, there’s always the possibility that with a limited-edition release, the price tag could be hiked up a bit more. We would hope it wouldn’t come near to $800 in the US, though...
We’ll just have to see when the revamped CPU launches, and we’re thinking that could be very early 2023 – like January or February – but exactly when may depend on when AMD pushes out its 3D V-cache versions of Ryzen 7000 processors. The latter will up the ante considerably for Team Red, and Intel will want to steal some of the thunder of that launch, at least at the top-end.
Nvidia’s RTX 4090 doesn’t hit the shelves until October 12, which is still a couple of weeks away, and yet it seems that at least one person has been able to buy the GPU early.
As VideoCardz reports, over in Hong Kong a retailer is selling the Gigabyte RTX 4090, with evidence provided at LikHK (an online forum in Hong Kong, which is essentially like Reddit). This includes photos, and plenty of them, showing the Gigabyte Gaming OC 4090 graphics card in question.
Obviously, stay skeptical around any leak like this, but we already know there are flagship GPUs being sent to reviewers - who obviously need to get the cards in good time to prepare their evaluations for publishing at launch.
However, even if you could get hold of an RTX 4090 – if you’re in Hong Kong, and could find the retailer that jumped the gun – it’s a pointless purchase right now, because without the new graphics driver that supports next-gen Lovelace, the product simply won’t work.
Although you could get a head-start when it comes to looking at how this chunky GPU will fit in your PC case, maybe?
Chatter from the rumor mill points to the Gigabyte card being sold for 20,000 Hong Kong dollars or thereabouts, which translates to about $2,500 in US currency (or £2,300, AU$3,800); way over the official MSRP, of course (in excess of 50% more in fact).
Still, what a person is willing to fork out to get a pre-release card obviously holds no real meaning, and besides, third-party models have their own recommended pricing (though the Gaming OC variant is historically not one of the costlier Gigabyte brands).
Analysis: A hopeful hint for the other Lovelace GPUs, then?
What does hold some meaning, perhaps, is the fact that RTX 4090 third-party graphics cards have already shipped to retailers a good while before that official launch date. And with any luck, that means we can expect a decent amount of stock right from the off.
There are caveats here, naturally, and with its price tag being so high, the RTX 4090 GPU will be a niche proposition, so Nvidia will hardly be churning them out by the bucketload. Also, Team Green won’t feel selling out is a bad thing either – it makes the cards look popular, and indeed if they don’t sell out, it could be regarded as a negative for the perception of the Lovelace flagship’s launch.
Even so, this is still a hint that Team Green is well prepared for the initial launch, and that bodes well for RTX 4080 stock, the slightly more affordable high-end GPUs (there are two of them, including a 12GB model that hides a dirty little secret). Those products will follow the RTX 4090 and go on sale in November.
As for the really key GPUs, which let’s face it, will be the RTX 4070 and 4060 – they’ll have much more palatable price tags – there’s probably plenty of time before they launch yet, so Nvidia should hopefully be able to build up considerable inventory. It’s very likely that we won’t see either of those mainstream graphics cards until 2023, and we’re guessing at a January reveal for one of them, or maybe even both.
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Google Pixel 7 Pro leak suggests it won’t worry Apple
Just a day ago we saw a full specs leak for the Google Pixel 7, and now the source of that is back with a similarly complete leak for the Google Pixel 7 Pro, but it’s a similarly disappointing one too.
Yogesh Brar – a leaker with a solid track record – has tweeted out this specs list, and almost nothing is different from what we saw on the Pixel 6 Pro.
The only real difference is the presence of a Tensor G2 chipset, which is Google’s next-generation chip. We know this will be present because Google has confirmed as much, but it might still lag behind the competition if leaks are to be believed.
The rest of the listed specs meanwhile include a 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, a 5,000mAh battery, 30W charging, wireless charging, Android 13, and a triple-lens camera, with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide one, and a 48MP telephoto one. That’s all stuff that you’ll find on the Pixel 6 Pro.
So is Google really going to release a new phone where the only upgrade is the chipset? Well, not quite. Assuming this leak is accurate – which we can’t be certain of – the design is still being tweaked at the very least, and it’s possible that things like the camera could perform better, despite the similar specs. But it does sound like the Pixel 7 Pro could be very similar to the Pixel 6 Pro.
The iPhone 14 Pro is a much bigger upgrade(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Analysis: no threat to the iPhone 14 line
Google shook things up with the Pixel 6, offering a phone with a distinctive new design and a bespoke chipset. It might have been enough for Apple to take notice, but Google doesn’t seem to be repeating the trick this year, leaving the iPhone 14 with less competition.
Or rather, leaving the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max with less competition, as the standard iPhone 14 is, if anything, even less of an upgrade from the iPhone 13 than the Pixel 7 Pro looks to be from the Pixel 6 Pro.
But at least Apple gives you options – buy the almost pointless but relatively affordable iPhone 14, or shell out more on the bigger upgrades in the Pro. With the Pixel 7 line though, Google might give people very little reason to upgrade from the Pixel 6 phones.
Still, those are only a year old, and the world would be in better shape if more people kept their phones for longer, so maybe that’s not such a bad thing. And if you are in the market for a new handset, there are loads of other top options in our best phones guide.
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Apple Watch Ultra durability test is hard to watch for all the right reasons
If you’ve got one of AMD’s Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards and are looking rather longingly at the RTX 4090, we might have good news for you. New third-party utility software is claiming to provide huge performance boosts for RDNA 2 GPUs, enough to potentially outstrip Nvidia’s current-gen flagship RTX 3090 Ti, and all without the crazy price tags now attached to Team Green’s cards.
‘Radeon Monster Profile’ (RMP) comes from coder and overclocking enthusiast Yuri Bubliy, who claims to have created a utility software that delicately modifies the voltage and frequency curves of RDNA 2 cards to improve performance.
Bubliy is well-known in the hardware enthusiast space, having already created AMD-focused software for monitoring and overclocking components (most notably his HYDRA software for Ryzen CPUs, of which RMP is a utility extension). RMP is his latest piece of work, and will be available later in 2022.
In a post on Twitter breaking down some of the details, Bubliy explains that RMP enables the RX 6000 cards to reach their ‘maximum potential', with special attention paid to areas such as the VRAM subsystem, where a reduction in operating voltage allowed for reduced heat generation to keep the card as a whole running within safe a temperature range.
Fall plans. You already heard about my new calculator for DDR5 (demo soon), today it's time to tell you about the presets for RDNA2 video cards which could surprise you. 🔴 RX 6800XT > 🟢 RTX 3090TI this is reality.🔥RADEON MONSTER PROFILE (RMP) More in the slides...😎 pic.twitter.com/WnVUJOdmuRSeptember 24, 2022
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Analysis: This is impressive, but let’s not get too excited just yet
Bubily claims that the Radeon Monster Profile can boost the performance of the RX 6800 XT by more than 13% without thermal throttling issues, which makes that card slightly outperform a stock-settings RTX 3090 Ti - with significantly less power draw, too. It’s a serious performance leap, but as always we’d be wary of using third-party software to tweak your GPU.
It’s also important to note that the performance figures listed are from the 3DMark Time Spy GPU test - a synthetic benchmark often used to gauge graphical performance. We don’t know what other components Bubliy used for testing, nor do we know how well this overclocked RX 6800 XT performs in real-world gaming and rendering benchmarks.
Using third-party software to tweak your GPU - especially in such an aggressive manner as this - can also potentially void your warranty, so tread carefully if you choose to test out RMP when it releases. AMD does have its own software, Radeon Adrenalin, for tweaking your GPU, which may be a safer bet. You can also check out our guide to overclocking your GPU.
Still, we’re quite intrigued by RMP, since it does represent a way for RDNA 2 GPU owners to close the performance gap somewhat once RDNA 3 arrives later this year. Sure, the RX 6800 XT isn’t one of the best graphics cards out there, but if RMP can safely improve its performance, then it’ll become a far more reasonable choice of GPU.
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Beloved indie adventure game Oxenfree is now available through Netflix, as the streaming platform shores up its fledgling gaming wing. One...
Netflix is giving away a fantastic adventure game for free
Beloved indie adventure game Oxenfree is now available through Netflix, as the streaming platform shores up its fledgling gaming wing.
One of the best indie games around, the mystery thriller is free to download for all Netflix subscribers on iOS and Android. You can find Oxenfree: Netflix Edition in the Google Play Store and App Store.
Originally released on PS4, Xbox One and PC in 2016, Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller that follows a group of teenagers as they explore a mysterious island. You’ll gradually unravel its secrets and weird ghostly happenings through a coming-of-age story that shares more than a few similarities with Stranger Things.
Going gaming
“You play as Alex, a 16-year old being introduced to her new stepbrother, and while meeting up with some friends on a remote beach you accidentally open a rift through time, unleashing spirits who threaten your very existence,” said Oxenfree lead writer Adam Hines in a press release.
“The gameplay is all about exploration and conversation, as you juggle dealing with the supernatural and the personal relationships within your high school clique.”
Oxenfree is only the latest standout indie game to make its way to Netflix. Back in June, the streaming giant added beloved tactical turn-based strategy game Into the Breach, and brought the action RPG shopkeeping game Moonlighter to the platform in May. The addition of Oxenfree is little surprise, given Netflix acquired the game’s developer, Night School Studios, in September last year.
More games are coming to Netflix in the future. Acclaimed point-and-click adventure game Kentucky Route Zero will be added down the line, alongside original TV spin-offs Narcos: Cartel Wars and Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales.
One of the best VPN services around, PureVPN has joined forces with Samsung Electronics to build a safer online world together.
The plan is to integrate Enhanced Privacy Protection (EPP) technology into Samsung's Secure Wi-Fi feature.
Masking users' identity and traffic, it will add a layer of anonymity to secure against online threats, manipulation and misuse.
The next level of mobile data security
"We’re proud to be partnering with Samsung at a time when there is increased focus on digital security and privacy globally. These are the absolute rights of all internet users and we’re happy Samsung is leading from the front in the mobile device space," said PureVPN vice-president Bilal Saleem Khan.
A leading VPN provider with more than 15 years of experience in the security software sector, PureVPN strives to keep up with an ever-changing online world.
Now, through its partnership with Samsung, PureVPN wants to bring smartphone data security to the next level.
While Samsung's Secure Wi-Fi was first announced in 2017, the integration of PureVPN's Enhanced Privacy Protection (EPP) will add a further layer of encryption to secure mobile user data and boost their online privacy.
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Google will soon update its top-of-the-line Chromecast to Android 12, finally bringing it on par with smart TV platforms offered by its riv...
Your Chromecast with Google TV will get a big free update to Android 12
Google will soon update its top-of-the-line Chromecast to Android 12, finally bringing it on par with smart TV platforms offered by its rivals.
Currently, the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) only runs on Android 10, despite both the hardware and software being developed by Google itself. Thanks to this upgrade the streaming stick should now get several benefits including support for a broader selection of third-party game controllers, automatic refresh rate switching to reduce video stuttering, and a slew of minor improvements.
This follows the announcement of the new, more budget-friendly version of the tv stick: Chromecast with Google TV (HD) – which keeps many of the same features but swaps 4K visuals for full-HD, drops Dolby Vision, and has a lower price.
Google hasn’t given a firm date for when its best streaming stick will get Android 12, but with the Chromecast, with Google TV (HD) launching with Android 12 we expect the OS update will come sooner rather than later to its 4K model.
Analysis: Why has the update taken so long?
If you’re wondering why Google hasn’t updated its Chromecast with Google TV (4K) to the most up-to-date version of its own operating system before most guesses have centered around its meager 8GB of storage. While you wouldn’t think that a smart TV stick would require much storage space it does need to make room for apps, games, and OS updates that users may want to download.
With that in mind, 8GB really isn’t a lot. If you love shows from across several of the best streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime, as well as adore game streaming platforms like Google Stadia and Xbox Game Pass then you’ve likely found that sacrifices have to be made on Google TV – especially as some of the limited space has to be dedicated to Android 10.
According to 9to5Google, Google has finally solved Android 12’s space issue thanks to improvements to how Google TV handles storage. While the specifics aren’t the clearest, these improvements include automated clear-outs of files that aren’t being used and designing apps to be more efficient with the space they use.
No matter the reason, Google has finally managed to bring Android 12 to its own streaming sticks giving them a solid boost compared with 2019’s Android 10, and we can’t wait to install the update.
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The first reactions for Marvel's Werewolf by Night have started dropping online – and critics are calling it an "instant classic&q...
Marvel's Werewolf by Night hailed as a 'surprisingly violent' MCU monster mash
The first reactions for Marvel's Werewolf by Night have started dropping online – and critics are calling it an "instant classic" that could take the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in new and unexpected directions.
The upcoming MCU Phase 4 project, which lands on Disney Plus on Friday, October 7 and received its first trailer at D23 Expo, has been positioned as Marvel's first-real horror production. And, based on what critics have been saying since the social embargo lifted, Werewolf by Night is as violent and surreal as many fans hope it'll be.
Werewolf by Night is the Marvel's first attempt at making a so-called Special Presentation – i.e. a one-off TV special that, like Moon Knight, fits into the wider world of the MCU but also exists as a standalone property. Given the more mature content that Moon Knight contained and the new avenues it opened up in Marvel's juggernaut franchise, it won't come as a huge surprise to see critics comparing the two, either.
ComicBook.com's James Viscardi was one such journalist to pick up on the similarities between the duo, calling Werewolf by Night "surprisingly violent" and "an instant classic and immediately rewatchable":
The Marvel Disney+ shows have been a bit all over the map quality wise, but #WerewolfByNight is easily the best thing they’ve done. Yes even better than #MoonKnight (which you all know I loved) pic.twitter.com/JYhwimtJgmSeptember 26, 2022
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Fandom's Eric Goldman said Werewolf by Night was an "exciting example of how they [Marvel] can push boundaries", adding its monochromatic aesthetic "works perfectly for the story and feels so unique in the MCU":
I love #WerewolfByNight! The throwback black and white classic horror approach works perfectly for the story and feels so unique within the MCU. It’s an exciting example of how they can push boundaries. The cast are great and I hope to see more of them and of this type of thing. pic.twitter.com/YJoTqmPXWoSeptember 26, 2022
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SlashFilm reporter Rafael Motamayor described the TV special as the "Marvel Studios Monster Mash you've been waiting for", before stating how director Michael Giacchino's vision helped Werewolf by Night to bear the hallmarks of classic Universal monster flicks:
#WerewolfByNight is the Marvel Studios Monster Mash you've been waiting for! Great Universal Classic Monsters vibes, and surprisingly A LOT of violence for a Marvel title. Michael Giacchino kills it, but Gael GarcÃa Bernal is a star. FANTASTIC use of Man-Thing. #FantasticFest2022September 26, 2022
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Others were quick to praise the TV special's cast, with The Movie Podcast's Anthony Gagliardi calling lead star Gael GarcÃa Bernal "fantastic" and key supporting actor Laura Donnelly "bad ass":
Michael Giacchino’s #WerewolfByNight captures the aesthetic of old 40s Hollywood horror but with a Marvel flair. It’s has the right amount of suspense to draw you in and get you terrified. Gael GarcÃa Bernal is fantastic and Lauren Donnelly is bad ass!@MarvelStudios @m_giacchino pic.twitter.com/3Xxb6VwElPSeptember 26, 2022
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Meanwhile, MCU insider BigScreenLeaks was one of a few critics to pick out Man-Thing, another monster set to feature in Werewolf by Night, as a potential "fan favorite" in this "campy" horror-style Marvel project:
Marvel took a big swing with #WerewolfByNight and they knocked it out of the park. I love how the campy horror vibes blended with the Marvel style! @GaelGarciaB is the perfect actor to play Jack Russell and Man Thing will become a fan favourite! @m_giacchino didn't disappoint. pic.twitter.com/jSdxOnIR7jSeptember 26, 2022
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Collider's Rob Keyes was a little less enthusiastic about the special's supporting cast, saying they "are not on the same level" as other MCU Disney Plus shows. However, he called it a "thrilling Halloween special" that offers an insight into how Marvel Studios can grow the more supernatural/monster side of the MCU:
My #WerewolfByNight thoughts: Marvel's new MCU monsters and leads are awesome, as is Michael Giacchino's direction & music as well! The supporting characters are not on the same level, but Werewolf By Night is still a thrilling Halloween special they should keep doing more of. pic.twitter.com/AARanUHjw4September 26, 2022
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Lastly, Gizmodo scribe Germain Lussier called Werewolf by Night a "love letter to old school monster movies" that tells a captivating story within its 60-minute runtime:
Monster hunters with rad weapons, awesome creatures, crazy black and white gore, #WerewolfByNight is a love letter to old school monster movies in a tight hour long package. #FantasticFest #MarvelStudios pic.twitter.com/XnIIUUqQFzSeptember 26, 2022
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While it's fantastic to hear about how good Werewolf by Night is, it should be said that these are only a small selection of critical verdicts. There are likely to be more ahead of the TV special's release early next month, including reviews that aren't as positive.
Still, Werewolf by Night sounds like it'll be for a gratuitously violent and spooky seasonal watch when it lands on Disney Plus soon. Here's hoping that these early reactions are a sign of how spectacularly scary it'll be and ultimately not wind up being divisive like other 2022 MCU projects, such as Thor: Love and Thunder or another horror-style superhero flick in Doctor Strange 2.
Information about the upcoming OnePlus Nord Watch – perhaps an even more affordable companion to the OnePlus Watch – continues to drip out from official and unofficial channels. Thanks to a new leak, we now have a proper look at the wearable.
This leak comes from 91mobiles and shows the OnePlus Nord Watch in a dark-ish blue and black, from a variety of angles. With its rectangular face and a physical button on the right of the screen, the wearable definitely gives off Apple Watch vibes.
OnePlus already gave us a glimpse of part of the watch, but these images show the whole picture. There are also some mock-ups of what to expect from the software side, including two watch faces and statistics on heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress and sleep.
Screen and battery
Some key specs are included in this latest leak too, some of which have already been confirmed – like the 1.78-inch, 60Hz AMOLED panel. There will apparently be 105 fitness modes to pick from, with OnePlus expected to reveal more about this on September 26.
Keep your eye on the official site for more details, as OnePlus is promising to reveal the device's specs bit by bit across the next week. A full launch shouldn't be far away, based on what we already know.
As per 91mobiles, the OnePlus Nord Watch is going to offer battery life of up to 10 days, with up to 30 days possible in standby mode. As expected, the wearable is going to work with both Android phones and iPhones.
Analysis: a smartwatch for everyone
We've been hearing rumors around the OnePlus Nord Watch for several months now, and when we do finally hear the price, it's expected to be a low one. The OnePlus Watch from 2021 only cost $159 / £149 (about AU$245), so there's not a lot of room to go under that.
It's interesting to compare the move to the recent launch of the Apple Watch Ultra, which will set you back $799 / £849 / AU$1,229. That's as much as a flagship smartphone, so it's a wearable for only the most committed and wealthy of Apple fans.
Then there's the Google Pixel Watch to add Into the mix, which is thought to be launching in full on October 6. That could come in as cheap as €250 (roughly $250 / £220 / AU$370), according to the most recent rumors.
In other words, we've got smartwatches all over the pricing spectrum at the moment, which has to be good news for consumers looking for something to wrap around their wrists (we haven't even mentioned Fossil, Fitbit or Samsung).
We've now been given multiple looks at the upcoming Google Pixel Watch, but it's likely that there are still going to be one or two new announcements when the device is finally, fully unveiled – which should be on October 6.
One of those announcements might be around a Google Photos watch face for the Pixel Watch. As spotted by 9to5Google, there's now code hidden in the Google Photos app for Android that hints at support for adding pictures to the screen of a wearable.
Multiple images can be selected it seems, though there will be an as-yet-unspecified limit. Presumably, if more than one photo is picked then the watch face will cycle through them, though the details of how this will work aren't yet fully clear.
Photos for all
There's no indication that this Google Photos watch face will be exclusive to the Pixel Watch: though Google may introduce the feature alongside the Pixel Watch, it's probably going to make its way out to other Wear OS 3 smartwatches eventually.
That said, it's worth being in mind that features come and go in app development all the time. It's likely that the code that's been identified here will get turned into a full feature, but there's no guarantee.
We've been hearing quite a few rumors around the Pixel Watch since Google confirmed its existence. It will apparently be fitted with two chipsets, and come in at a price that undercuts the Apple Watch – though it might not go on sale for a while.
Analysis: Google playing catch up
Being able to use your own choice of photos as a smartwatch watch face is pretty basic functionality – and yet it's a feature that doesn't currently exist for owners of Wear OS devices, without the help of a third-party app.
It's something that the Apple Watch has been able to do for years of course. You pick out your favorite images – your kids, your pets, your trip around the world – and they show up on the little screen on your wrist.
While this might not seem like the most important of smartwatch features, it nevertheless highlights the catching up that Google has to do. It's way, way behind Apple in the wearable market right now, both in terms of hardware and software.
Bringing Fitbit into Google should help: there are now moves to merge Fitbit and Google accounts, and going forward we should see devices that are more polished and appealing. For now though, we wait to see what the Pixel Watch will offer, and at what price.
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